Moving on Up: A Look at NBA 2K19 Player Ratings

With the release of NBA 2K19 less than two weeks away, 2k hosted a launch party in New York on Wednesday, allowing those in attendance to get a first look at the game.

At the event, there were TVs set up showing the team selection screens and YouTuber Mike Korzemba took a video of them, allowing us to see the ratings of the starting lineups of all 30 NBA teams.

Ratings wise, the Celtics have the second-best starting lineup in the league, behind the Golden State Warriors) with Kyrie Irving (93), Jaylen Brown (84), Gordon Hayward (88), Jayson Tatum (87), and Al Horford (86). This solidifies Boston’s position as the Eastern Conference favorites and fans will surely have a fun time using them in 2k19.

It comes as no surprise that LeBron James is the game’s highest ranked player at 98 but Kevin Durant is right behind him at 97. The pair are followed by reigning MVP James Harden (96) and 2-time MVP Stephen Curry (95). If Kevin Durant gets his third straight NBA title and Finals MVP this year, he could equal or even surpass LeBron’s rank heading into 2k20.

Some might make the argument that LeBron should be a 99 overall but his 98 overall ranking is a step up from last year’s 97. 2k may be reserving their 99 rating for Michael Jordan on one of the historic teams they could feature in the game, further sparking the MJ vs. LeBron debate.

With LeBron James out west to LA, there are only four 90+ overall players in the East, with Kawhi Leonard and Giannis Antetokounmpo tied for the top spot at 94 overall. The equal ratings come at interesting times for both players, as Giannis showed his continued progress with an incredible season while Kawhi sat out with injury for most of the year. When he last played, many regarded him as a top 3 player and in 2k18 he was rated as such, with his 95 overall rating being 3rd best in the game. We could see both players ratings rise as they’re updated throughout the season. Behind Leonard and Antentokounmpo are Kyrie Irving (93) and Joel Embiid (90).

Ultimately, these ratings are just a starting point for players in NBA 2K19. They’re updated throughout the season and it should be interesting who rises, falls, and joins the elite ranks of the 90s as we go through the 82-game NBA season.